Since 1924, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a time honored holiday tradition. The awe-inspiring balloons, stunning floats, and talented performers delight families year after year. Enjoy this year’s festivities with our helpful tips.
Date / Time:
- Thursday, November 22, 2012 (rain or shine)
- 9:00 am start
- 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm end
- Estimated attendance: 3.5 million people
Parade Route:
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route is new in 2012. It is just over 2.6 miles long and takes the following route.
- The parade starts on Central Park West at 77th Street and continues south to 59th Street (Columbus Circle).
- At Columbus Circle, the parade turns left and heads east on Central Park South to Sixth Avenue.
- At Sixth Avenue, the parade turns right and heads south to 34th Street.
- At 34th Street, the parade turns west towards Seventh Avenue and finishes in front of Macy’s Herald Square.
Viewing:
- Admission to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is free. No tickets are necessary to line the streets of the parade route.
- You must arrive early to get the best view. By 6:00 am, the northern part of the route is already filling up. By 7:15 am, Central Park West is packed. There are never any guarantees that a prime spot will be available, so the earlier the better.
- Tickets are required for access to any grandstand seats along the parade route (at Macy’s and at Central Park West). Unfortunately, tickets are not available to the general public. They are issued to Macy’s employees, sponsors, charities, and VIPs only.
- The marching bands play throughout the Parade. They do need to rest in between songs, but you’ll still see many performances as they pass.
- Some of the major celebrities perform just for the cameras near Macy’s. However, it is not recommended that you station yourself there since it is a Quiet Zone for broadcasting purposes.
The best public viewing areas are:
- Central Park West on the west side of the street from 72nd – 61st Streets: This is the beginning of the Parade, so it will pass you completely by mid-morning.
- Columbus Circle and Central Park South: This option allows for parking flexibility. You can park on the East Side, which is less pricey and crowded, and easily walk down to Central Park South.
- Sixth Avenue from 42nd – 38th Street: Much less crowded, but you will be there until late-morning.
Areas to avoid:
- Sixth Avenue from 37th – 34th Street: This is a designated “Quiet Zone” for broadcasts. No performances take place here.
- Macy’s: Much of this area is closed to the general public due to the Official VIP Viewing Area and Media Platform.
Public Transportation:
Subway is the easiest and fastest way into the area. It also allows for a quicker exit since you don’t need to wait for roads to re-open. Subway service will run on a Sunday schedule.
NYC Subway Information:
Subway stations close to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route include:
Central Park West (start of the Parade):
- C train to 72nd Street or 81st Streets: Walk north or south on Central Park West. The parade runs between 77th and 59th Streets at this section.
- 1, 2, or 3 trains to 72nd Street: Walk two blocks east to Central Park West. The parade runs between 77th and 59th Streets at this section.
Columbus Circle (middle of the Parade):
- A, D, or 1 trains to 59th Street/ Columbus Circle: Walk east on Central Park South.
- N or Q trains to 57th Street / Seventh Avenue: Walk east or west on Central Park South. The parade runs between Broadway and Sixth Avenue at this section.
Theater District/Times Square:
- D or E trains to Seventh Avenue: Walk towards Sixth Avenue for the parade.
Bryant Park area (near the end of the Parade):
- D or F trains to 42nd Street / Bryant Park: If you head towards 37th Street, bands will end performances in anticipation of the “Quiet Zone.”
Macy’s (end of the Parade):
- D, F, N, or Q trains to 34th Street: Just head in the direction of the crowd around Macy’s! Be forewarned that this is not a recommended area for viewing due to the Official Viewing Area Grandstands and Media Platform.
Parking:
We highly suggest that you take public transportation for the most ease. If you must drive:
- Meters are free due to the holiday, but open spots will be hard to come by.
- Alternate-side street parking is suspended due to the holiday.
- Don’t park within 3 spaces of the parade route. People have been known to stand on parked cars on the side streets to get a better view!
- In fact, park more than 3 blocks away from the parade route so that you can exit without encountering blocked streets.
- You will likely need to park in a garage or lot. Lots closest to Central Park West (in the upper 70’s area) will charge around $50 for the “privilege.” Lots around Columbus Circle and Times Square will charge a slightly lower rate – around $40. However, if you park on the Upper East Side and walk down to Central Park South to watch the parade, you’ll pay less than half what you would pay around Central Park West. It will also allow for an easier exit after the parade is over.
Accommodations:
- Hotels that have rooms with a view of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade tend to book up early. Some start to get reservations as soon as the current parade is over!
- Hotels closely guard their Guaranteed Parade View rooms and have restrictions on how many guests can occupy a room or require a minimum night stay. Call the hotel’s in-house reservation department directly. These rooms are typically not available online or through an agency.
- Floors that fall between 7-15 offer the best view of the balloons. Higher floors mean that you’ll have a bird’s eye of the balloons and lower floors mean that you may just see the strings!
- If Guaranteed Parade View rooms are sold out or too pricey for your budget, consider a non-view room. Non-view rooms are lower priced, allow close proximity to the parade, and will usually follow the standard hotel reservation policy.
Hotels along the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade route include:
Trump International Towers: One Central Park West (at Columbus Circle) 888-448-7867 Trump International Towers has a private area in front of the hotel for hotel guests to view the parade without being at street level. This opens up the opportunity to get a standard room and save money, but still enjoy the parade. As of February 2012 the hotel had a waiting list for parade-view rooms, which start at $1,100 p/night plus tax. A minimum 3-night stay is required and the rooms are non-refundable after booking. Mandarin Oriental: 80 Columbus Circle 212-805-8800 All guests of the hotel are welcome to watch the parade from the Ballroom on the 36th floor, which allows you to make a reservation in a standard room for $955 p/night plus tax and still enjoy the parade. “Premier Central Park View” rooms have a bird’s eye view of the parade and start at $1,419 p/night plus tax with cancellations allowed up to 10 days prior to parade. There is a 2-night minimum stay required. The Ritz Carlton: 50 Central Park South 212-308-9100 “City View” rooms and “Suite” rooms overlook the parade route. There is a 3-night minimum stay required for these rooms. Rates start at $1,495 p/night plus tax with cancellations allowed within 90 days to receive full refund (or total payment is forfeited). The Warwick Hotel: 65 W 54th Street (at Sixth Avenue) 212-247-2700 As of February 2012 rates had not yet been set for parade-view rooms. They are taking the names and contact information of interested guests and will call back when rates have been established. Reservations for all other rooms may be made now. Hilton New York Hotel: 1335 Avenue of the Americas (Sixth Avenue between 53rd & 54th Streets) 212-586-7000 Packages are available with a full or partial view of the parade route. There is a 4-night minimum stay required and the rates quoted in February 2012 start at $559 p/night plus tax. There is a non-refundable deposit of two nights when booking. Bryant Park Hotel: 40 West 40th St (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues) 212-869-0100 They expect to have details about reservations for partial-view parade route rooms in April. Reservations for all other rooms may be made now. Residence Inn at Times Square: 1033 Avenue of the Americas (Sixth Avenue) 212-768-0007 As of February 2012 the hotel was working on parade-view room packages and creating a waiting list. The designated department for room reservations may be reached at 212-380-5003. Reservations for all other rooms may be made now.There are many hotels nearby the parade route where you can walk to the parade in just a matter of minutes. Here’s a short list.
Wellington Hotel: 871 Seventh Avenue (at 55th Street) 212-247-3900 Le Parker Meridien: 119 West 56th Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues) 212-245-5000 Millennium Broadway Hotel: 145 West 44th Street (at Broadway) 212-768-4400 Dream NY: 210 West 55th Street (between Broadway & Seventh Avenue) 212-247-2000 The Park Central: 870 Seventh Avenue (at 55th Street) 212-247-8000 Michelangelo New York: 152 West 51st Street (at Seventh Avenue) 212-765-1900 Manhattan Centre Hotel: 25 West 51st Street (Between Sixth and Fifth) 212-262-1600 The Manhattan at Times Square: 790 Seventh Avenue (at 51st Street) 212-581-3300 Doubletree Guest Suites Times Square: 1568 Broadway (at 47th Street) 212-719-1600Food:
There are some restaurants along the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route that offer parade views, shelter from the weather, and restroom facilities. The majority will be fully booked over a month in advance.
Our top restaurant picks include:
Landmarc (Parade route) 10 Columbus Circle (at the Time Warner Center overlooking the parade at Columbus Circle). Open at 7:00 am. 212-823-6123 Reservations are available for parties of 6 or more only by calling the restaurant directly. Some tables overlook the parade route but these tables cannot be guaranteed. Great location for families. Bouchon Bakery and Café (Parade route) 10 Columbus Circle (at the Time Warner Center overlooking the parade at Columbus Circle) 212-823-9366 Bouchon hosts an annual buffet-style brunch the morning of Thanksgiving. Reservations are mandatory and are only available by calling the restaurant directly. Parade views are available from the front windows of Time Warner Center but it is public access. Price is TBD. Applebee’s (No parade view) 205 West 50th Street (between Broadway & Seventh Avenue) 212-262-4022 (Sales Office) Although Applebee’s is not on the parade route, they do offer a popular “Stay Warm Package.” It includes a continental breakfast, shelter from the elements, and easy access to their restroom facilities for $30 p/person. They are accepting reservations. Call the Group Sales Office at 212-262-4022. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required upon reservation, with the balance due 2 weeks prior to the parade.There are also numerous delis and coffee shops near the parade route that are perfect for a quick snack to bring with you to your viewing spot. Be prepared for long lines.
Restrooms:
- Limit your liquid intake because once you find a prime viewing spot, you won’t want to leave it for any reason or you will lose it. Crowds will push their way forward. If nature comes calling there are some port-a-potties along the route, but they are few and far between.
- Try to station yourself in front of a deli or Starbucks if you know that you have a small bladder. Keep in mind that they are only for paying customers and the lines will be long.
- Public restrooms are available at the Time Warner Center (59th Street and Broadway at Columbus Circle) and inside many hotels (mostly along Seventh Avenue).
- Restaurant restrooms are reserved for paying customers.
- A great online resource for finding public toilets in a snap is SitOrSquat.com. Just enter an address, zip code, city, or interesection in the search bar and you’ll be on your way to finding your pit stop.
Clothing:
November in New York City can bring a number of unpredictable weather conditions, but one thing we can just about guarantee is that it will be cold that early in the morning.
- It’s most important to dress in layers. Wear a thin layer (like thermal underwear) close to the skin, then layer a shirt, sweater, and coat on top of that. You’ll be ready for anything!
- Bring a hat. Keeping your head warm will keep your body warm.
- Wear a good pair of winter socks and shoes with a thick sole. You’ll be standing on cold pavement, so you’ll need a buffer between your feet and the ground.
- Scarf and gloves. This is where the heat seeps out!
- Rain poncho. If it’s calling for rain or sleet you’ll want something that the rain can roll off. Plus, you’ll have your hands free! Umbrellas will block everyone else’s view and you’ll be forced to close them up.
- Windbreaker. Winter winds can be brutal around tall buildings. You’ll want something to protect you.
Supplies:
- Carry a backpack. You can load everything on your back and not worry about lugging it all.
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Small cushion to sit on while waiting.
- Snacks, but not anything that will cause you to use the bathroom. Once you leave your spot, you may not get back to it.
- If it’s raining, bring along extra plastic bags. Putting your backpack in one will protect your belongings from the elements.
- If you have children, pack small items that will keep them entertained while waiting. Ideas include cards, video games, an iPod, or book.
Fan Events:
Balloon Inflation:
The beloved character balloons get inflated the day before Thanksgiving and are a fun event to watch.
- The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons are inflated on 77th Street and 81st Street between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West. Most of the balloons are on 77th Street.
- The official inflation timeframe is 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm, but the action is generally over by 7:30 pm.
- Arrive a bit earlier than 3:00 pm to see the inflation begin.
Float Assembly:
Those fantastic floats that defy imagination are assembled in the wee hours just before the parade starts. It’s a fun sight to behold if you’re able to deny yourself some sleep. Be advised that there is no official viewing area set up and that this is not an encouraged activity.
- The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade floats are assembled on 81st Street and Central Park West.
- The assembly timeframe is midnight – 8:00 am, but arrive between midnight and 4:00 am to see the most action.
Rules:
- The Police Department requests that you don’t bring chairs, ladders, or coolers. These items impede walking traffic and will need to be closed up or removed as the crowds gather.
Additional Fun:
Don’t leave NYC after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade without checking out these fun attractions:
- New York Explorer Pass (attraction pass to top sights)
Anything Else:
- Macy’s Event Hotline: 212-494-4495
- Nothing beats watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live, but be sure to set that TiVo or DVR. You never know if you might be on camera! Besides, the Broadway Musical performances only take place at the Macy’s Official Viewing Area, which is closed to the general public. You’ll have to enjoy those performances at home.
- Yes, any grandstand seating is reserved for Macy’s VIPs holding tickets, but many of these seats go unused. This is an opportunity for those with the “gift of gab” to snag tickets from those who have extras. Try to station yourself near the bleachers and ask if anyone has extras to share. The tickets are color coded according to how close the seats are to Macy’s. So you may have to keep collecting tickets until you get enough tickets in one color block to seat your entire party.
- The list of balloons appearing in this year’s parade hasn’t been announced yet. Check back with us for more info as the date approaches.
Did you know…?
- In 2005, Macy’s started an annual tradition where an artist is selected and one of their pieces is created into a balloon. Check back with us to learn the winning artist for this year.
- The official emcee of the parade changes annually. Check back with us to find out who this year’s emcee will be.
- Fun balloon lingo:
Balloonicle: A self-powered balloon vehicle
Falloon: A float-based balloon